The team took their first day off at this camp yesterday and recharged their spirits before entering the second half of the camp. The following day, they had two training sessions in the morning and afternoon after resting their bodies. They will increase their training volume to improve their condition and accelerate the penetration of tactics.
The morning started with a menu to bring out agility after training with running and tubes, and in positional games, we went fiercely into the ball while increasing intensity on both offense and defense.
Finally, we conducted finishing work in front of the goal. We placed a dummy representing the opponent and confirmed the build-up from the defense line to the goal and the finishing process with all players.
After the morning practice, we conducted an interview with players Kimoto and Watanabe.
Please also read it on FANZONE.
In the afternoon practice, we conducted various passing exercises after training to improve physical condition.
We practiced a training to improve finishing in front of goal, where we aimed for the opponent's back from the side of the defense line while connecting the ball and scored with a cross.
We could see players talking in detail with those in similar positions even after practice, in order to have a common understanding among everyone.
Tomorrow will be the 3rd training match at the Okinawa camp. It's a great opportunity to test the results we've achieved in practice. It will be the first time this season that we will play against a J-League team.
After practice, the players, including player Nagatomo, went outside of the field and mowed the lawn to create a message saying "Bravo!!!" Thank you very much.
Nagatomo was also surprised and had the best smile. If you come to the venue, please find it from the lawn outside the stadium.
On the 11th day of camp, we interviewed Hotaka NAKAMURA.
Q, I often stay and train until the end after practice.
A, Since I turned pro, I have never had a year without injury, so getting injured is the worst thing that can lower my evaluation and performance. Therefore, this season, I really want to fight for a whole year without getting injured, and I think it's something that I have to do to the fullest.
Q: It seems like you can build a body that won't get injured by continuing in the second camp and entering the season, right? A: This season, I have been adjusting the way of training during the off-season in detail with the trainer, and I have also been focusing on strengthening my muscles. In that sense, I think my current physical condition is good and I am getting in shape. We will continue to have practice matches from now on, so I hope to confirm and control the load while doing so.
Q, I don't think there was any hesitation in your play during the first practice match.
A, this season, the coach has told me to be more attacking as a side back, and personally, I want to be involved in scoring and assisting, so in that sense, I am playing while being conscious of who will go for the open space. Right now, I think it's a great opportunity to confirm the shape and position, so I want to soak it into my body by doing more quantity than quality, and keep trying and making mistakes.
Q, how was the feeling when Kumada scored from a cross during today's practice on the far side?
A, I think it is necessary to earn the trust that good crosses will come in when I open up to the outside and put it in Hidaka, as well as crosses that go deep into this season. I think that in order to go up one more level, it is necessary to have my own style. If we can supply good balls, there are good players in the center, so I think we all need to be aware of it and do it as side backs. If good crosses go up, I think Kumada will score (laughs).
Q, What specific training did you do during the off-season?
A, I had problems with my joints and muscles around my hips, which caused injuries such as muscle tears last season. This year, I had more time to focus on strengthening my muscles, so I received a great training program and worked hard on it.
Q: Do young players joining the team also provide motivation?
A, since I also became not a young player in my 26s, I feel a great sense of crisis and I can't use my age as an excuse, so I have to do it myself. In that sense, it is important to play proactively with confidence and show that attitude to the younger players. Also, there are many things to learn from the younger players, so even in conversations, there are ways of thinking and ideas that can only come from being young, so it is stimulating and I also think that as a 26-year-old, I have to connect the upper and lower parts. Right now, I am having a lot of fun in terms of human relationships, and I hope to talk to and get to know more players.
Q: Who is the most interesting player from your perspective?
There are many, but Araki is also one, and everyone, including Terayama, is really unique and there is no one person who is the same, so there is a lot of interaction. It's fun.
